Floyd Mayweather Jr. Ends Retirement, Prepares for Tyson Exhibition

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has announced his decision to come out of retirement, marking a significant return to professional boxing ahead of his exhibition match with Mike Tyson in Spring 2026. This announcement comes just days before Mayweather’s 49th birthday, setting the stage for what could be a highly anticipated series of events in the boxing world.

In a statement to ESPN, Mayweather expressed his confidence in his ability to continue breaking records in boxing. “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” he declared. He emphasized that his upcoming match with Tyson and subsequent professional fights are poised to generate unprecedented ticket sales and viewership worldwide. Mayweather has signed an exclusive agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports as his promoter for this next chapter of his career.

Upcoming Exhibition and Return to Professional Boxing

Mayweather, who boasts an impressive record of 50-0 with 27 victories by stoppage, initially retired in August 2017 after defeating MMA star Conor McGregor. Since then, he has engaged in several exhibition matches, facing notable opponents such as Logan Paul and Mikuru Asakura. The much-anticipated exhibition against Tyson was first announced last September, with reports suggesting a potential date of April 25, 2026, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, as of now, no network has been confirmed to broadcast the event.

Mayweather’s comeback comes at a time when the boxing landscape is evolving, with many competitors significantly younger than him. Notably, the recent return of Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao to professional boxing has reignited discussions about a rematch with Mayweather, following their initial encounter in 2015.

Legal Challenges and Financial Disputes

In addition to his boxing career, Mayweather has made headlines due to a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against Showtime. He claims the network owes him “at least” $340 million from his substantial career earnings, which total approximately $1.2 billion. This legal dispute adds a layer of complexity to his return, as he navigates both the financial and athletic aspects of his career.

Richard and Craig Miele, co-founders of CSI Sports/Fight Sports, shared their enthusiasm about Mayweather’s return. “Signing Floyd Mayweather to un-retire after he captures another world-wide audience with his Mike Tyson match-up highlights our commitment to providing our global audience with the most high-profile fighters in the sport,” they stated. They expressed confidence that Mayweather will lead boxing events that attract the largest audiences and generate record revenue.

Mayweather’s return to the ring has the potential to reshape the boxing landscape, drawing attention from fans and media alike. As he prepares for the exhibition match with Tyson, the boxing world watches closely, anticipating what this new chapter in Mayweather’s career will bring.